History was made at Flemington on Saturday with Ciaron Maher‘s evergreen veteran Light Infantry Man successfully defending his title in the Australian Cup 2026 results when narrowly denying Pride Of Jenni in a stable quinella.

Following in the hoof steps of Cascadian (2023-24), the seven-year-old son of Fast Company went back-to-back in the Group 1 $2 million Australian Cup (2000m) when outracing his $21 starting price in a typically gutsy effort by the now triple Group 1 champion.

Presenting fit third-up, Light Infantry Man improved on his lead-up fourth to Birdman in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) relishing a rise in trip to secure his second Australian Cup trophy in as many years.

As expected, Maher’s front-running queen Pride Of Jenni led the field around bravely racing off for a solid lead looking to go all-the-way.

The mighty mare was still in front around the final turn while jockey Harry Coffey had Light Infantry Man up on pace stalking his stablemate in third waiting to pounce.

Just in front of the eventual winner was the favourite and his last start conqueror Birdman who moved up to sit level with Pride Of Jenni a furlong out.

POJ gave a good kick at the 200 as she looked to hold off the two challengers, but in an absolutely barnstorming performance it was Light Infantry Man who just finished better off coming at the tenacious mare and just edging her out right on the line in a thriller.

“She’s a warrior,” second placed jockey Declan Bates said of the runner-up.

“I don’t think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today.

“I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly.

“Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry. I’m really happy with my horse.”

Apulia got up for third as Birdman faded late to run three lengths back fifth as the beaten favourite.

“Browny (Ethan Brown) is a good man,” Maher said.

“This horse, he’s a unique horse, in the way he has to be ridden.

“Browny understands him well and I asked him to pass on some of that information last start and Harry didn’t really get it until he had finished the race.

“He rode him perfect today. The start is very important for him. He blasted him straight out of the gates.

“I don’t know who I’m more proud of, the winner or the second horse.”

Maher admitted at the hot pace set by Pride Of Jenni was key to Light Infantry Man’s chances today and that the horse needed the mare to get the most out of his run.

“He does (need her),” he said.

“Two of his best wins are when he races her.

“It’s such a shame for Jenni to run second again. I know for Tony (Ottobre), it’s a race he holds very dear to his heart. He strapped back in the day a horse for (Colin) Hayes.

“It still eludes her, but she’s racing in great heart and you never know, we may be back here with her next year.

“She was phenomenal.

“I thought it was going to be a spectacular race and to be fighting it out with two of your own, it’s pretty cool.”

Coffey was also full of post-race praise for his winning mount and awe of the always honest Pride Of Jenni, while giving credit to Ethan Brown who has been the regular rider of Light Infantry Man up until his last two runs.

“I’m just a bit shocked because Jenni, she’s amazing,” he said.

“I got on terms with her and I thought I was going to beat her easily. What a racehorse, she fought hard. I actually thought that Dec (Declan Bates) may have beaten me, so I went early with the knuckles to him.

“He did say to me that if we happen to dead heat or you beat me, you’re not a bad mate to share it with.

“Appreciate his kind words but what an incredible horse. Tough. It takes a bit to get past a mare when she’s like that and he did it.

“That is two years in a row where he’s come to this race under sort of extreme conditions and just rose to the occasion when you need him at his toughest.

“Also want to say thanks to Browny (Ethan Brown). This is his horse and he’s been so open and transparent in how to ride him.

“He sent me a text this morning saying ‘I see it is going to be pretty wet, make sure you give him a nice warm up to the gates to let him know how open that track is because he’s a smart horse and he’ll come to the conditions but you just have to let him know’.

“So, thank you Browny. He’s his again whenever he wants it.

“I’ve been fortunate to ride some bloody nice horses in my career and winning races like this is extremely special especially when you’re from a race family.

“Tradition, history, and to put your name next to it and be a part of it, it is everything that people want in racing and we are lucky to have it.”

Light Infantry Man is likely to have another run on April 11 at Randwick in the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) which he has firmed in from $51 to $21 to win through Ladbrokes.com.au.

2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Odds

2026 Australian Cup Results

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